Brewing Syndicate - do regs apply?

I’ve now drafted a syndicate agreement, based on an example I found online written for race horses (!). I know some solicitors so I might get it knocked in to better shape once I’ve hammered out the basic principles.

It’s probably off topic for this thread as this was about the regs, so if anyone is interested in reviewing and commenting I can start a new thread on it.

 

Perhaps the reason you've never heard of other groups running a joint brewing club thingy is that as it might be perceived as being in a grey area then they keep it to themselves.

As a radio 4 listener I can tell you that on the Archers the Grundy's have been running a cider club for quite a few years now and there has never been any suggestion that it's illegal, though there's an assumption that it's a bit dodgy, at least in the eyes of the characters involved.

 

Cider rules are also very different. IIRC you can make and sell cider without registering with HMRC if your annual production is under c7000L.

 

You do still have to register with them.

 

"Who needs to register to make cider
If you make more than 7,000 litres of cider a year to sell, and it’s more than 1.2% ABV, you must register for Cider Duty with HMRC and pay duty.

You must also be registered if you make cider sparkling, unless you plan to carry out this process in an excise warehouse. You can make still and sparkling cider on the same registered premises."

 

Sorry wrong wording you have to apply for exemption from registration.

 

Just making the point you need to tell them, you can't just do it, apologies if I seem to just want to disagree.

 

Hijacking the thread but on a similar note. I was planning a charity beer night in the summer. Bit like a charity coffee morning but hopefully more fun. Would ask for a donation per pint and then have a few kebabs on the bbq, again for a small donation. Would be friends attending. I hadn't even considered the legal side of it until reading the above thread. Any thoughts?

 

You would need a licence for the beer and food hygiene for the kebabs

 

Thought as much. Might charge them £20 each to sit on my garden chairs and give them the beer and kebabs for free.

 

You may find that that you would need a licence to do that.

 

Be needing a licence to fart soon...

 

That would be a waste disposal licence. Ask your local council

 

I can't imagine the French would put up with this s**t.
And most countries round the world think it's hilarious that in the UK we have to have a licence to watch TV (which is then distributed free round the world unless you're in the UK where you need a licence)

 

If its home brew you plan to give away or ask for a donation and its open to the public I don't think theres any way you could get away without registering as a brewery. If its not home brew (ie its duty paid alcohol) you can apply for a temporary event notice with the council. If its a private event and you don't charge for anything I think you will be OK and it would likely guilt people into larger donations getting the free stuff but you may want to check with the council. Or you could just risk it and as a 1 off event likely get away with it all but if your neighbours hate it they could stir up all sorts.

 

Thanks for the responses. Might think of another fundraising idea instead.

 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/alcohol-at-charity-meetings-and-events
Combine with
http://www.raffleticketprinting.co.uk/raffle-ticket-templates/have-a-drink-on-me

Every raffle ticket is drawn quite quickly after being bought and wow, wouldn't you know you've got a winner again.

 

Do those rules assume you have bought the alcohol ( so paid the duty) Drunkula?

 

In Germany homebrewers have to tell the chief customs officer before they begin brewing and have to declare how much they are going to brew in the coming year